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Cycling holiday
Cycling holiday in Albania
Cycling Holiday in Southern Albania
Cycling holiday in Albania
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Close-up of mountain bike wheel with knobby tire on sandy beach in Albania. Person walking in distance near turquoise sea and rocky cliffs.

Cycling holiday in Southern Albania

New tour!
8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate to Challenging
New tour!
Close-up of mountain bike wheel with knobby tire on sandy beach in Albania. Person walking in distance near turquoise sea and rocky cliffs.

Discover an Albania few have seen – a land where snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and sun-drenched coastal towns meet in a magical blend of culture and nature. On this journey, you’ll cycle from the southern highlands toward the sparkling Ionian Sea, passing through quiet villages, historic mountain towns, and lush valleys where time seems to stand still.

Along the way, you’ll visit the fascinating stone city of Gjirokastër, whose cobbled streets and old houses have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as well as the mythical site of Butrint, where ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times tell the story of Albania’s long and captivating history.

When you reach the coast, the Albanian Riviera awaits – a string of coves, olive groves, and small fishing villages where the sea shimmers in every shade of blue. Here, you can take a dip in the turquoise waters, enjoy a glass of wine at sunset, and indulge in delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

In short: this tour is for those who love to combine an active holiday with true adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Albania remains one of Europe’s most unspoiled corners – and by bike, you’ll experience it in the best possible way.

Aerial view of a winding asphalt road with multiple hairpin turns cutting through hilly terrain in southern Albania with sparse vegetation.
Group of cyclists on a mountain road overlooking the Albanian coast with blue sea, forested hills, and coastal settlements visible below.
Cyclists on a mountain road in southern Albania sharing the asphalt with black and brown cattle and sheep, with mountains in the background.
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Aerial view of a winding asphalt road with multiple hairpin turns cutting through hilly terrain in southern Albania with sparse vegetation.
Group of cyclists on a mountain road overlooking the Albanian coast with blue sea, forested hills, and coastal settlements visible below.
Cyclists on a mountain road in southern Albania sharing the asphalt with black and brown cattle and sheep, with mountains in the background.

The route

Covering nearly 260 kilometres over 5 cycling days, this holiday is perfect for those who ride regularly on weekends and are looking for a trip with a bit of challenge and plenty of reward. The route combines shorter, easier days with minimal climbs and longer stages with moderate ascents – typically between 500 and 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The longest stage is 69 km, offering a satisfying yet manageable distance.

Most days, you’ll cycle after lunch, and the rides to the next accommodation are usually short. Along the way, you’ll mostly ride on quiet, well-maintained roads, with a few mountain sections where the surface may be a little uneven.

The roads we use on this tour generally have very little traffic, and Albanian drivers are courteous and give cyclists plenty of space – making the experience both safe and enjoyable.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

Your adventure begins as soon as you land at Tirana Airport, where our driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name or our logo. A short 30-minute transfer will take you to your comfortable 3-star hotel in the heart of the city.

Spend the day exploring Tirana at your own pace, or join a donation-based city tour. Stroll through the lively New Bazaar, dive into the country’s fascinating communist past, or soak up the atmosphere around Skanderbeg Square. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail in the trendy Blloku district – your journey has only just begun!

Hotel (example): Vila 60

After breakfast, the journey heads south with a beautiful drive from Tirana to Korca, following the Shkumbin River and passing Lake Ohrid – one of Europe’s deepest and most impressive lakes.

Here begins your cycling adventure through fertile farmland with the Gramoz Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. You’ll cross the Korca plain and continue toward the small villages near the Greek border.

Along the way, you’ll pass Erseke – Albania’s highest town (1,050 m) – before reaching Rehove, a peaceful village with cobblestone streets, old churches, and traditional stone houses. Here, genuine Albanian hospitality awaits, along with the perfect tranquility to relax after a day full of experiences.

Hotel (example): Bujtina Cakuli

Today offers a more remote route with uneven asphalt and plenty of charm. There is almost no traffic, and nature shows its peaceful side. After a steady climb to the Barmash Pass, the road descends through green forests and past cool mountain springs.

Eventually, the small wooden bungalows of Sotira Farm appear among the trees – your accommodation for the night. Here, you can relax in a hammock and enjoy the sight of animals grazing peacefully in the meadows.

The farm is famous for its fantastic food, with much of what is served coming directly from the fields and the small trout farm on-site. Fresh, local, and down-to-earth – just like Albania itself.

Hotel (example): Vila Dodo

After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues toward Leskovik – from where a fantastic descent awaits through one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. You’ll follow the Vjosa River, considered Europe’s last wild river, surrounded by dramatic mountains and lush valleys.

In the village of Benje, you can take a well-deserved break in the natural hot springs, where warm, mineral-rich water bubbles up in idyllic surroundings – the perfect treat after a day of cycling.

Later, you’ll continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokaster, where you’ll check into a charming hotel in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant among cobbled streets and historic stone houses.

Hotel (example): Kodra

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Muzina Pass, from where the route descends toward the coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at the famous “Blue Eye” – a magical spring that bursts from the ground in vivid shades of blue.

From there, the ride continues through peaceful farmland along the Bistrica River and onward to Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times.

After sightseeing, enjoy a fresh fish lunch in Ksamil and take a swim out to the small nearby islands. Finally, you’ll cycle the last stretch to Saranda – a charming coastal town with a true holiday atmosphere.

Hotel (example): Iliria Sarande

Today, you’ll follow the legendary Albanian Riviera – a route that showcases some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. The day begins with a climb toward the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil – the toughest section of the trip, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile.

After that, a beautiful stretch awaits, offering sweeping views over the sparkling Ionian Sea. You’ll cycle through olive groves, citrus orchards, and small villages before reaching Porto Palermo, where you can stop for lunch and visit Ali Pasha’s historic fortress.

The day ends in Himare, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach in front of your hotel and have dinner at a cozy seaside restaurant.

Hotel (example): Dhima

After a week of adventurous cycling, it’s time to unwind. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the morning at the beach – go for a swim, take a walk along the coast, or simply relax in the sun with a good cup of coffee.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer back to Tirana (approx. 4 hours). Spend your final evening in Albania with a cozy dinner in the city – and perhaps a glass of wine to celebrate the trip and all the beautiful memories.

Hotel (example): Vila 60

After breakfast, it’s time to check out from the hotel.
A transfer will take you to the airport in time for your flight (approx. 40 minutes). If you have time, we recommend spending a few hours in the capital to enjoy the atmosphere, history, and final sights before your journey home.

Photos from the tour

Clear mountain river flowing through rocky gorge in southern Albania with steep cliffs, lush green vegetation and scattered boulders.
Winding road curves through a green valley in southern Albania, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.
Group of tourists at a viewpoint in southern Albania with a white marble bust statue, overlooking a coastal lagoon with mountains in the distance.
Grilled fish with lemon on colorful plate, bread, beer glass on wooden table overlooking blue sea and Albanian coastline with flowering plants.
Traditional Albanian breakfast table with fresh figs, fried pastries, white cheese, tea glasses, and colorful floral cups on outdoor table.
Crystal clear river with turquoise and blue water flowing through lush green forest in southern Albania with overhanging trees and rocks.
Ancient archaeological site with stone columns and mosaic floor patterns surrounded by ruined walls, set in a forested area with visitors.
Lone cyclist riding on winding dirt road through golden grassland in southern Albania with scattered trees and blue sky overhead.
Cyclist with mountain bike standing on rocky shore overlooking pristine beach with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs in southern Albania.
Two cyclists with bikes stopped on a paved road in Albania as a large flock of sheep and goats crosses their path, with a shepherd nearby.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 nights in small hotels and guesthouses (in Germenj)

 

FOOD & DRINK

  • Breakfast every day
  • 2 lunches

 

CYCLING

  • 5 days of cycling (approx. 260 km)
  • Rental of standard bicycle
  • Detailed descriptions of carefully selected routes (maps, route notes, information on tourist attractions, and important phone numbers – in English)
  • Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)

TRANSPORT

  • Luggage transport between accommodations (max 15 kg per person)
  • All transfers as described
  • Airport transfers (to/from Tirana)

 

OTHER

GENERAL

  • Transport to/from Albania
  • Possible tourist taxes in the hotels 
  • Handling fee EUR 20,-

Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.

Bikes

You can choose from these bikes on the tour.
Gray Specialized Source Elite Disc hybrid bicycle with disc brakes, fenders, and rear rack against white background.
Standard bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel
  • Standard bikes Hardtail: Cube Race One (2017)
  • Groupset: Shimano XT (11 x 2 speed)
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX Disk Brakes
  • Tyres: Touring tyres for asphalt (slick, non-knobby)
Grey step-through electric bicycle with low-step frame, black components, disc brakes, rear rack, and suspension fork against white background.
Unisex 11-speed E-bike
Hub gears with freewheel
  • Electric bikes Trekking: Cube Touring Hybrid Pro (2025)
  • Drive unit: Bosch Performance Line Gen 3, 75Nm, 250W
  • Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
  • Groupset: Shimano Cues 11-speed
  • Frame: Easy entry
  • Sizes: for riders 165 cm to 184 cm <- otherwise other bikes will be used

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons, this tour cannot be booked for solo travellers. There must be minimum two participants.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
  2. Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
  3. See the price


Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.

The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.

Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.

The flights to/from Tirana are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

Book a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 2-5 working days). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

All overnights offer private ensuite rooms in centrally located accommodations. In Rehovë (Day 2), you’ll stay in a cozy guesthouse, while in Germenj (Day 3) each farm bungalow has two bedrooms and one bathroom shared within your group. The stay in Gjirokastër is in historic buildings, and in Himarë, your accommodation is right by the beach.

Breakfast is included every day. In addition, two lunches are included during the tour. Finding dinner is easy in the towns along the route, where plenty of cozy restaurants serve delicious local dishes.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 15kg each.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

Spring and autumn offer a pleasant, moderate climate – ideal for cycling. In spring, the countryside bursts into green with colorful wildflowers, while autumn brings the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. The journey begins in the highlands, where mornings and evenings can be cool, before gradually descending to sea level and milder temperatures. Summer heat of 35–40°C is best suited for only the most heat-tolerant adventurers.

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